I'd like to see them stepping things up. They have no man power to do so. The current rules are stupid in the extreme. Checking for socks/chains in the trunk on a dry highway is way down the totem-pole of beneficial actions and onerous in the extreme.

Roads today were carnage on the pass. If the rule was a triple peak rated tire much of it could be avoided. Chains are a disaster. Most folks have no clue how to use them, when or where to use them and will avoid using them at all costs. You're only getting a fine if you're in the ditch and at that point it's small potatoes compared to the other costs.

If you're driving in the snow a lot, a good set of winter tires is a wise investment that pays for itself many times over. A far more sensible choice regardless of vehicle drive-train.



One of many

 

Use chains mainly for off road in snow and ice. I carry them with me all the time. Rear only Pewag HD ladder chains without cams and a set of bungees. Keep the rear tires fully aired up and air the front tires way down. Check the chains for tension often. I tried to run class s with adjusters and broke them very quickly off road. It just takes one rock and they are toast. These ladder style are much easier to install and do not get as tangled up as the class s. They are heavy, but cant beat the durability. Will also get you out of some serious mud if needed, These will get put to good use this February in Maine at Winter Romp

 

If the need arises to run snow chains or cables on a 2020-2024 Defender, should they be mounted on the front or rear wheels (if only running one set)? It looks like rear wheels are correct?

 

The manual says rear only.

 

We live at 9,500' so we drive on snow a lot and do not own chains. I do not even know the rules for chains in Colorado. I know sometimes they'll be flashing signs that the chain law is in effect. We never have any issues, and I'm on the stock 19" Goodyear Adventures that many seem to hate. Had close to a foot on the ground this morning when I went to the gym. On snow Defender will be fine. Ice???

 

Ref: MY 2023.5 Defender 110X P400
Fitment question - tire chains //
Will the 'Pewag HD Ladder Chains' fit rear Hakapeliitta R5 SUV 275/55/R20 winter tires without rubbing?

 

I have a 2024 Carpathian V8 and have Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV 275/55-20 snow tires on it for winter. I’m in the Park City, UT area at around 8000’. So far, the tires are doing well with the recent snow.

I have a set of Konig XD 16 Pro chains that I carry with me that fit up with no rubbing issues.

FWIW, I’ve always carried chains over the years. I did 20+ years in various parts of the Sierra and now 4 in Park City/Wasatch. I’ve never needed them, but have been glad to have them.

I’ve run Saabs, Audis, Porches and multiple Land Rovers over those years. I always run snowtires in the winter; not all seasons.

As others have said, I view the chains as an insurance policy. They fit nicely in the space under the rear cargo area, so they are pretty much ‘out is sight and out of mind’.

Common sense and good driving skills will get you through most situations. The problem is often with other drivers who don’t have the skills or right vehicles/tires.

Winter roads can be a real challenge some days.

Be safe out there.

 

Thanks for the hot-tip. I live in Colorado and have been running snowtires for two decades. While the 110 does well in snow, I need some extra grip to help my neighbors recover theirs when we get the heavy storms. I will put an eye on the Konig's as well as the Pewags.

 

I would certainly say cables over chains and a good set of snows for the winter- like it was said above roads probably get shut before a defender with winter tires would need to mount cables etc.

 

No interest in cable chains here—these are more for off-road then on. Last thing I would want is a broken chain beating the snot out of my fenders. Of course cables would be more comfortable at speed (relative) on road. If I found myself needing these on-road it’s because I needed to get home.

These are square link Pewag PWE3229S on 275/55r20s. This was a picture taken during some test fitting exercises. As you can see another link needs to come out of the inside chain to tighten these up a touch. I am probably going to settle on the 4th link inside and out along with boosting the air pressure up from comfort seen here to regular for less carcass flexing and a more stable fit. Last tip, I always put some extra zip ties and baling wire in the chain bag to deal with loose ends and I like to trim the extra links down to one or two to there is less to fling around.

Overall I feel like these fit fine with good clearance all around and I will be comfortable using them when really needed.


Test fitting some Pewag PWE3229S.